Research Assistant- IL- Physiology

The Department of Physiology at Midwestern University, Downers Grove is looking for a motivated, enthusiastic, and scientifically curious Research Assistant to provide research support for faculty members in the Department of Physiology. The Research Assistant is expected to assist in the: design and execution of animal, cellular, and human based research projects; data collection and analysis; and preparation of figures for manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications. The candidate should have experience working with laboratory mice. This position will report to the Chair of the Department.

• →Maintain transgenic mouse colonies under faculty supervision: Mice breeding, handling, ear tagging, drug delivery via intraperitoneal, intramuscular, or subcutaneous injections, genotyping (obtain tail snips and perform PCR analyses), and accurate maintenance of colony records.
• →Cell culture maintenance under faculty supervision: Generation, propagation and maintenance of sterile cell cultures and intestinal organoids, performing basic in vitro experiments, including but not limited to harvesting, splitting, and freezing cells, drug delivery to cultures, protein, and RNA extractions.
• →Competently perform standard molecular biology techniques (western blot, gel electrophoresis, RT-PCR, qPCR, chromatin immunoprecipitations, immunohistochemistry, molecular cloning, etc.) under faculty supervision.
• →Use specialized computer software to collect and analyze physiological (cardio-pulmonary) and cognitive data from humans under faculty supervision.
• →Graph, analyze, and evaluate generated data, and contribute to abstract submissions and poster preparation.
• →Maintain an accurate lab notebook and assist with trouble-shooting technical issues.
• →Assist in literature searches for protocol development and optimization.
• →Maintain cleanliness and organization of lab, lab equipment, and supplies.
• →Adhere to laboratory safety and regulatory procedures and maintain lab chemical inventory.
• →Obtain quotes and perform ordering and receiving duties for lab supplies.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and have regular, predictable, in-person attendance. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This individual is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. This individual is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel or crouch. This individual is frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Close and distance vision correctable to 20/20 in both eyes, ability to distinguish depth and shades of grey scale.

Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences related field from an accredited college is required. Previous laboratory skills including experience with fluorescence microscopy, and molecular biology techniques including western blot, PCR, and cell and tissue culture maintenance are all desired preferred. Previous experience training students is desired.

This individual must have flexible schedule and be willing to occasionally work late hours, weekends, and potentially overtime. Must be willing to work with animal and human cell lines.

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required. Experience with statistics, graphing and imaging software is preferred. Experience using data acquisition systems/equipment, as well as data processing, is desired. Computer programming skills are desired.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts, be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electric shock, radiation, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance.  We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account.  We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days.  We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program.  Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.